How do I obtain a concealed handgun permit application?
Concealed handgun permit applications are available for pick up at the Sheriff’s Office Records Division, or an electronic version is available for download here. Renewal applications are also available at the Records Division or may be downloaded here. The Sheriff’s Office Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Back to TopWhat documents do I need to apply for a concealed handgun permit?
North Carolina driver’s license or ID card (a North Carolina driver’s license or ID card is not required for active duty military personnel); original certificate showing completion of an approved firearms safety course; completed application packet; Veterans Affairs medical release form (if applicable); original DD-214 (if applicable); signed “Do’s and Don’ts of Carrying a Concealed Handgun”; and Citizenship Form & Naturalizations papers if not born in the U.S.; and a copy of military PCS orders (if applicable, this is only required for active duty personnel that are residing in Durham County due to a military assignment but are legal residents of another state or county).

I have a valid concealed handgun permit from another county in North Carolina and have moved to Durham County. What do I need to do?
Begin by updating your driver’s license to reflect your new address. Then notify the sheriff’s office in your previous county of residence about your address change. Finally, come to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office Records Division to update your file and pay the $15 duplicate concealed handgun permit fee. It typically takes two weeks to receive the new concealed handgun permit from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. A representative from the Sheriff’s Office will contact you when the new permit is ready for pick up.

I have a valid concealed handgun permit issued in another state and have moved to Durham County. What do I need to do?
North Carolina and Durham County recognize valid concealed handgun permits from all 50 states. Please check with your state to ensure your CCW will still be valid under their laws after you move to North Carolina or change your legal residence In any event, 90 days prior to the expiration of your out-of-state concealed handgun permit, you must complete an approved North Carolina firearms safety course. After completing the course you may apply for a new North Carolina concealed handgun permit with the Durham County Sheriff’s Office.
Your CCW address is not required to match your NC driver’s unless you intend to purchase a firearm. If you intend to purchase a firearm, you will need a purchase permit. A purchase permit requires a matching address.

Back to TopDoes the Durham County Sheriff’s Office have a list of approved firearms safety courses?
The Sheriff’s Office does not sponsor or endorse any particular firearms safety course. However, approved courses must be certified or sponsored by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission or the National Rifle Association. Most local gun dealers and pawn shops have a list of instructors. The Sheriff's Office does not accept online firearms safety courses.

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I recently moved, but still reside in Durham County. What do I need to do?
Begin by updating your driver’s license to reflect your new address. After doing so, come to the Sheriff’s Office Records Division to update the address on your concealed handgun permit and pay the $15 cash fee for a duplicate concealed handgun permit. It typically takes two weeks for the Sheriff’s Office to receive the new permit from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. A representative from the Sheriff’s Office will contact you when the new permit is ready for pick up.

My legal name is now different than the one on my concealed handgun permit. What do I need to do?
Begin by updating your driver’s license to reflect your new name. After doing so, come to the Sheriff’s Office Records Division to update the name on your concealed handgun permit and pay the $15 cash fee for a duplicate concealed handgun permit. Please bring a marriage license or other official document related to your name change for verification. It typically takes two weeks for the Sheriff’s Office to receive the new permit from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. A representative from the Sheriff’s Office will contact you when the new permit is ready for pick up.

Back to TopIs my Durham County concealed handgun permit valid in other states?
Most states honor a concealed handgun permit issued in North Carolina. However, it’s best to research and confirm a reciprocal agreement is in place before traveling out of state with a concealed weapon. Effective December 1, 2011, North Carolina automatically recognizes concealed handgun permits issued in any of the 50 states.